In news that will shock Filipino football fans, midfielder OJ Porteria has announced his career with fabled team Kaya Football Club has come to an end. Porteria circulated a statement on his personal Instagram account tonight.
Kaya signed Porteria in 2012 and he developed into one of the main performers of the club. His four-year stay with the club yielded the 2015 United Football League Cup and participation in the 2016 AFC Cup. Perhaps his biggest moment in the yellow shirt was his last-minute goal against Hong Kong side New Radiant Sports Club to give Kaya their first win in a continental competition.
Aside from Kaya, Porteria also played for the Philippines in various levels. He was a member of the 2011 SEA Games squad and was also included in the lineup for the 2013 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers. In terms of the senior level, he represented the Azkals nineteen times.
“I have done all I could do for the club. Together, we have accomplished things that no one ever thought we could accomplish. We have made history in Philippine Football, and that’s all I ever wanted when I came out here. Life is short, and once you’ve done all you could do, once you’ve achieved the goals that you’ve set out for yourself, it’s time to embark on a new journey. It’s time for new challenges and a fresh start”, Porteria’s statement read.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHcJxfpBibi/
Porteria expressed his thankfulness to everyone who was a part of his stay in the Philippines. Kaya’s management, owners, staff, his former teammates, Chris Greatwich and the Ultras were mentioned in the statement. “Our memories together is something that no one could ever take away from me. Thank you for making that 18 year old who signed for Kaya FCs dreams come true. Una Kaya!”, he concluded.
